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Recent statistics from the Australian government indicate that almost half of first marriages end in divorce, a percentage that only increases with second and third marriages. Most people in a romantic relationship have heard that the key to a successful marriage is ‘communication’ but this does not always come naturally. Australian researches and authors Louise Howland and Keith Lamb are the brains behind The Art of Conversation game series and this February, they have launched a new edition – The Art of Couples’ Conversation.
The game has been researched and developed to encourage healthy, stimulating and exciting conversation with the long-term outcome of helping couples of all ages and stages to nurture their relationships. Professionally accepted as a resource for use in therapy and education, The Art of Couples’ Conversation guides couples through an extensive series of questions to spark discussion, provoke thought and encourage intimacy.
There are over 300 ways for couples to connect and share, including questions, wisdoms and a guidebook for successful communication, Questions range from ‘Name two things that you have never done with your partner that you think would be fun’ to ‘Technology – how does it enhance and how does it disrupt your relationship?’
“The Art of Couples’ Conversation isn’t a quiz or a trivia test. There’s absolutely no competition involved – instead, it’s about promoting respectful listening and communication, celebrating differences, appreciating similarities and connecting in a multitude of new ways,” said Louise Howland. “We spent two years researching and testing for this edition to ensure we’ve hit the right note and we’re so proud of the end product.”
“We found that so many issues that couples face simply get swept under the rug, and as a result these issues build and build until someone reaches breaking point. People underestimate the power of just speaking to each other in a real and honest way,” says Louise.
“Our game encourages couples to be open and not to keep secrets but also to talk like the lovers and best friends that they are. Even if couples spend ten minutes a day talking about anything other than work or the kids, it will make a huge difference. The Pope spoke last month about the way technology is making us less ‘human’, stating that it can become a way to avoid listening and physical contact. He said ‘The great challenge facing us today is to learn once again how to talk to one another’ which is actually what we’re encouraging.”
“It’s a sad fact that we are often more polite to strangers than we are to the people we love the most. If your spouse is trying to talk to you, whether it’s to find out what you want for dinner, to tell you about their day, or to discuss a problem in your marriage, give them the same courtesy you’d give a complete stranger, and listen! Don’t try to finish their sentences, don’t try to solve their problems, and don’t ever say, ‘I told you so!”‘ Partnership takes commitment, dedication and hard work to help it grow and prosper.”
The Art of Couples’ Conversation is part of the best-selling The Art of Conversation series which includes games tailored to children, keen travellers, literary enthusiasts and foodies.
You can buy The Art of Couples’ Conversation and other titles in the series online at these retailers: